Protecting people from infections within our Trust

All patients are at risk of acquiring infections and some may be suffering from or carrying organisms capable of producing infections. Staff use a system of working known as ‘Standard Infection Control Precautions’, involving handwashing and protective clothing when undertaking activities that involve contact with blood or body fluids in order to reduce the risk of spread of infection from person to person as they go about their daily routines.

Sometimes it is necessary to care for patients using extra precautions if they have a confirmed or suspected infection. For example, this could involve the patient being moved to a room of their own if they have diarrhoea. Staff may need to wear aprons and gloves and other protective equipment when they are caring for such patients. It is rare that visitors are required to take extra precautions but this can be checked with the staff.